In this exclusive interview, Naven Hope opens up about his life, career, and personal philosophies. From his roots in Ufa, Russia, to his transition from sports to modelling, Naven shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of following one’s true passions, the harmony between mind and body, and how entrepreneurship has allowed him the freedom to explore his creative side. Join us as we dive into the story of a man who is as much about inner peace as he is about artistic expression, alongside beautiful images created for Yummyzine 6.
Photography by Arthur Gareev | Interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
The images are cropped/ made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummyzine Issue 6
Photo story by Arthur Gareev
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hello Naven! It’s a pleasure to have you here. How are you, and where in the world are you right now?
NAVEN HOPE. Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be interviewed for your magazine, and I really appreciate this opportunity. I’m doing great, and I hope you’re doing well too. I’m currently in Russia, in a town called Ufa.
AGE. Let’s start by delving into your origins. You hail from Ufa, a quaint town in Russia. Could you share a bit about your life there, particularly your teenage years, and what living there means to you?
NH. Ufa is the place in the world that feels most like home to me. It’s where I feel the calmest, safest, and most relaxed. I graduated from both school and university there, and I’m now developing my career as a model here too. You know, one of the most amazing aspects of my life has been connected to sports. I devoted a lot of time to training while living in my hometown. I started with karate, where I earned a black belt, then moved on to swimming, bodybuilding, track and field, and eventually bobsleigh.
AGE. Turning to your career path, it's intriguing that you pursued studies in both sports and engineering. What drew you to such diverse disciplines, and what drove you to pursue degrees in both areas? Which of these fields has become your current profession?
NH. I earned two higher education degrees because I devoted most of my time to two main pursuits: sports and working on a construction site, where I earned my living. My experiences influenced my choice of studies. However, it turned out that I didn’t end up working in the field I studied. I’ve always been drawn to entrepreneurial activities, which not only appealed to me but also provided enough free time to focus on what I truly enjoy—modelling.
AGE. On a different note, you've also ventured into modelling, considering it more of a hobby. What sparked your interest in modelling, and how did you embark on this journey? Moreover, what significance does modelling hold for you personally?
NH. Over time, my passion for art took shape through modelling, which gradually became my main pursuit, replacing sports. This interest emerged as sports faded from my life, though it likely traces back to my childhood when I had a deep love for cinema and theatre. Back then, my passion for sports overshadowed my creative inclinations. However, when sports left my life, modelling naturally filled that space. Modelling is what my soul truly craves. I've come to understand that in life, the surest path is to follow your feelings.
AGE. I'm fascinated by your profound love for creativity and its various forms. Emerging from a technical background, what led you to embrace your creative side? What aspects of this facet do you find most fulfilling?
NH. Engineering was the choice of my logic, while sports and creativity were the choices of my soul. I believe that following your feelings is the best path, as it leads to true happiness and fulfilment. For me, not following my passion would mean living with regret for the rest of my life. So, the choice was clear.
AGE. You mentioned undergoing a transformative realization regarding societal expectations versus your genuine passions. Could you elaborate on what prompted this realisation and the subsequent changes you've made in your life as a result?
NH. The changes in my life led me to actively participate in photo shoots, as well as creative and commercial projects with various major Russian brands, such as Zasport (the official sponsor of the Olympic team), Austin, Befree, and others, collaborating with some of the best photographers in Russia.
AGE. Your dedication to sports is evident. What role do you believe sports play in your life, and could you share your experiences participating in events such as the Olympics in Korea and other competitions?
NH. Sports have shaped my character, making me disciplined, resilient, and persistent. It has played a very significant role in my life if not one of the most important, as I dedicated much of my life to it. When you’re involved in professional sports and competing for your country, you feel like the happiest person in the world—I’m sure many athletes can relate. It was a wonderful time, just as wonderful as the present, now that I’m pursuing modelling. And all of this is because I’ve always chosen to follow my feelings.
AGE. Let’s discuss your collaboration with Arthur on the captivating story for Yummyzine 6. How was the experience of working on this shoot, and did you find it enjoyable?
NH. Arthur is my most trusted photographer. During a photo shoot with him, I feel the calmest and most confident about the results. We’ve had many photo shoots together, and each one has been effortless and comfortable. For both Arthur and me, a photo shoot is not just work but also a chance to have a great and enjoyable time.
AGE. What does the term “yummy” signify to you personally?
NH. The term yummy is associated with the concept of male beauty, the aesthetic appeal of the male body, self-confidence, and complete freedom.
AGE. Your photographs showcase a remarkable level of expressiveness, and you appear to be at ease with nudity. Can you elaborate on your relationship with your body and nudity in a broader context?
NH. I like to present the body from an aesthetic perspective, making it look poetic. It’s truly very beautiful.
AGE. Undeniably, you possess an impressive physique. Could you share which body part you favour the most and which receives the most compliments?
NH. I think the question is not about a specific part of the body, but about its overall harmony—the harmony of soul and body.
AGE. Do you prefer wearing boxers or briefs? What attire do you prefer for sleeping and working out?
NH. For sleeping, I prefer looser clothes, while for sports, I prefer something more form-fitting.
AGE. Do you notice a particular time of day when you feel particularly alluring and sexually active? If so, what factors contribute to this feeling, and how do you manage it?
NH. I think it's just a natural process.
AGE. Lastly, you mentioned shifting your focus toward entrepreneurship and other aspects of your life. What aspirations do you harbour for the future, and what goals and dreams would you like to realize?
NH. I shifted my focus to entrepreneurial activities in order to devote more time to myself and my true passions, such as modelling and acting. My true aspirations are simply to live a calm and peaceful life, doing what I love, with my future family, and ensuring that I have enough for both them and myself.
